<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=137445156611445&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

Suniti's Advice Corner

15 Tips About Writing An Effective SAT/ACT Essay

Posted by Suniti Mathur on Mon, Nov 10, 2014


One of our TestRocker students recently asked me for a list of 15 points to keep in mind while attempting the Essay section on the SAT/ACT. I thought it was worth sharing!

  1. Begin your introduction with short, firm sentences.keep-calm-and-write-your-essay
  2. State your 'stance' or thesis firmly and clearly.
  3. In the introduction, mention the 2-3 supports you will use in the essay to support your thoughts. 
  4. Make good transitions or 'links' to open each paragraph. 
  5. Tackle 1 support at a time in each paragraph. 
  6. Build your thoughts up with each sentence. Each sentence should add on to your thoughts. Do not repeat, put forth new information.
  7. At the end of each paragraph, write a 'mini' conclusion to connect to the topic and why your support proves your point of view. 
  8. Link well onto the second support. 
  9. Keep focus on the issue. Don’t go off topic. 
  10. Take a quick look at the assignment as a reminder to stay on topic, and to ensure you are answering what the prompt is asking you. 
  11. Take a few phrases and vocabulary words from the prompt, but don’t reproduce verbatim! 
  12. Don’t make 'politically incorrect’ statements.
  13. Write a powerful conclusion. Keep it simple but make firm assertions. 
  14. Keep an eye on time. 
  15. Use good and clear hand-writing! 

You might also enjoy the following blog entries:

Tips on How to Master the Essay Section

How to Become a Great Test Taker

Tags: For Students

About Suniti

describe the image

Suniti is the creator of TestRocker, an online learning platform that helps you unlock your dream SAT and ACT scores. TestRocker is based on Suniti’s highly successful and proven method of teaching students how to maximize their SAT and ACT scores, a method she has perfected through tutoring thousands of students globally for more than a decade. 

TestRocker is a one of a kind online SAT/ACT program that empowers students to take control of their test preparation. After taking our diagnostic test a customized study plan, individualized to students' strengths/weaknesses, allows them to track progress as they work through the program. Each of the 1,200 SAT & 2000 ACT questions on TestRocker are accompanied by video explanations from Suniti. Parents are able to track their child’s progress through biweekly reports.

New Call-to-action

Follow TestRocker

describe the imageTestRocker twitterdescribe the imageinstafor blog 

Try our free trial

International Student Guide Download

SAT vs ACT Webinar

Stay up to date with our Blog!

Most Popular Posts